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<b>Friday 6 March:</b> Every penny counts for benefits cheats, MGS scraps GSCEs and George Best to get plaque

Published on March 6th 2009.

A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER from Whalley Range have been ordered to pay back £600,000 which they falsely claimed in benefits. Enid Bell, 67, and Lorraine Bell, 30, bought eight houses and a fleet of cars over the course of 12 years. During the scam, the pair used at least eight different identities and addresses to make bogus benefit claims. A confiscation hearing at Preston Crown Court, has ordered them to repay every penny.

MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL is dropping GCSEs because the courses are not challenging enough. The private school for boys will replace GCSEs with International GCSEs (IGCSE) from September of this year. Dr Christopher Ray, headmaster at the £9,000-a-year school, told the BBC: “Our boys are at their best and thrive when faced with serious challenges. It doesn't change the fact that GCSEs are a high quality qualification, well-recognised by employers and higher education.”

THE NEW MUGHLI, on Mauldeth Road, Withington has been fined after cockroaches and mice were found in the kitchen last year. Tassawar Hussain pleaded guilty to eight food hygiene offences. The former owner of the fast-food takeaway has been ordered to pay £4,550 following the inspection, last August. The shop is now under new management.

GEORGE BEST could be honoured with a plaque in Manchester, his adoptive city. Members of Manchester's Irish community are to ask the city council for formal recognition of Best's achievements. The former Manchester United player moved from Belfast to Chorlton Park when he joined the club at 17-years-old.

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I think the rant on the litter vote has been closed (probably for the best) but just to say a big HERE HERE to Al - got a definite feel from some of the posts of non regular MC readers. In my opinion 'nuff said! Viva la republica!